Discover the art of personal passion: Red Cliff Gallery’s themed artist showcase is happening now

Written by Jessi Bang
February 21, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Welcome to a new era of themed artist showcases, where every masterpiece tells a story that’s as unique as the artists themselves. 

Various artists showcase their work at the Red Cliff Gallery’s “My Favorite Things” showcase, St. George, Utah, Feb. 12, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

At Red Cliff Gallery, this isn’t just any art showcase – it’s a celebration of individuality, allowing artists to bring their favorite things to life in their own distinctive style.

“This is a record show,” Red Cliff Gallery Director Susan Plouzek said about the “My Favorite Things” showcase. “We have 198 pieces of art and 82 artists participating. This honestly is the biggest show we’ve ever had.”

Plouzek said the show features art from university students up to well-known artists who have been painting for over 40 years. Cash prizes, ribbons and certificates were given to artists who placed in the show during the reception on Feb. 9, and judges consisted of professional artists and art buyers.

One of the awards went to textile artist Teri McHale for her 3D textile bowl. Other pieces showcased in the gallery include wall art made from hand-painted silk that is layered and stitched with a sewing machine.

Her love for fabric started 20 years ago when her aunt insisted on teaching her how to quilt. Initially considering quilting as an “old lady” hobby, her mind changed quickly when she saw a book of watercolor art quilts. She’s been hooked ever since.

Terri McHale's work wins an award at the "My Favorite Things" showcase at Red Cliff Gallery, St. George, Utah, Feb. 12, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Teri McHale’s work wins an award at the “My Favorite Things” showcase at Red Cliff Gallery, St. George, Utah, Feb. 12, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Along with painting the textiles, she also uses rust dyes, which are created with rusted metal that’s applied to fabric wet with vinegar. For more information, visit her website

Watercolor artist Kimberly Jackson’s favorite things are colorful landscapes, so it was only natural for her to include desert scenery and Hawaii’s ocean in the artist showcase.

“The theme of the show is ‘My Favorite Things,” Jackson said. “And undoubtedly, one of my most favorite things is the colors we have here in St. George and Southern Utah. I love and adore St. George in a way I never thought was possible.”

What sets Jackson apart isn’t just her art. She was born blind. She received her sight at the age of 18 months, but it wasn’t the sight she has now. 

“It’s gotten progressively better over my life, which is unusual and a blessing,” Jackson said. “But being an artist that can’t see is kind of amusing.”

Kimberly Jackson stands next to her artwork showcased inside Red Cliff Gallery in St. George, Utah, Feb. 12, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Kimberly Jackson stands next to her artwork showcased inside Red Cliff Gallery in St. George, Utah, Feb. 12, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Due to her eyesight, she sends her husband out hiking to bring back reference photos which she turns into painted art. Sometimes she goes a week or two without being able to pick up a paintbrush because of the pain in her eyes. But it hasn’t stopped her from creating. For more information on Jackson, visit her website.

Three pieces by painter and frame maker Travis Humphreys include Mammoth Creek Springs, upper Provo River and the Colorado River near Moab – a piece that earned him a merit award in the show.

“They’re all pictures of water,” Humphreys said. “Because living in the desert and being a fisherman, water is everything. It’s my favorite thing.”

Born in Blackfoot, Idaho, Humphreys came from a family of professional artists. He began attending art shows at the age of 13. That same year, he received his first watercolor lesson from his artist uncle and that catapulted both his passion and career.

During college at BYU, he worked at a master framework company in Springville, where he became in charge of the finishing. That led him to the world of high-end framing, which took him on an additional career path. 

Work by Travis Humphreys includes his own custom framing | Photo courtesy of Travis Humphreys, St. George News
Work by Travis Humphreys includes his own custom framing | Photo courtesy of Travis Humphreys, St. George News

“Friends tell friends and artists tell artists until we frame for all kinds of people nationwide,” Humphreys said about his framing business Gold River Gallery. For more information on Humphreys, follow him on Instagram.

In addition to the new showcase, Red Cliff Gallery has also added a traveler’s hallway, which is geared towards tourists in search of red rock art that will fit in their suitcases.

From whimsical wonders to profound reflections, prepare to be captivated by the vibrant array of artistic expression that awaits at the “My Favorite Things” exhibit running now through March 28. Red Cliff Gallery is located at 220 N 200 East in St. George. See the event page for more information.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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